Emirates NBD has emerged as the highest-ranked bank in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) for artificial intelligence adoption. The ranking highlights the growing competition among regional lenders to strengthen their AI capabilities.
This ranking has been established by measuring the AI maturity of 25 banks in the region based on several criteria, including talent pool, investment in R&D, senior management commitment to AI, and responsible AI use.
Some top financial institutions included in the index are Standard Bank Group, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Nedbank Group, FirstRand, Capitec Bank, Absa Group, Bank Leumi le-Israel, Al Rajhi Bank, and Mashreq.
Banks across the Gulf are adopting AI in their core processes instead of using it for independent initiatives. Emirates NBD is using AI both within its operations and in customer interactions.
The bank reported that the adoption strategy revolves around embedding AI in its operations while simplifying banking activities and enhancing productivity.
Shayne Nelson, Group CEO of Emirates NBD, noted that the bank would continue to invest in talent and technology. This trend is prevalent throughout the region. AI applications used for customer engagement and risk management have been increasing in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Industry analysts believe the current adoption phase of AI may define competitive advantages in the future within the banking industry.
According to Alexandra Mousavizadeh, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Evident, banks that gain early access to the best talents, partnerships, and technology infrastructures can enhance their market presence.
Precedence Research also states that Gulf Cooperation Council countries, mostly concentrated in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have spent over $30 billion on AI projects since early 2025. Cybersecurity is another major factor driving AI integration.
Colin Gilbert, Vice President of Intelligence at Evident Insights, claims that banks now see cybersecurity as an essential component of strategy, not just a compliance one.
The ranking brings out the importance of AI shifting from just being a research area to a priority at Gulf banks. Those that successfully utilize these technologies will have an upper hand when it comes to acquiring customers, efficiency, and cybersecurity.
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